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Life after decking

Ne1lNe1l Posts: 28
in Garden design
Hi Folks
Ive just removed a raised decking that was taking up half the garden. It was under 2 large tree against a wall. The area is often in the sun until the trees block out the light in the later afternoon. Any suggestions would be great. Probably get a seat for in between the trees. Tempted just to put a lawn there :) Will also be looking to replace the hut as its half rotted  :/ 
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  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    Quick first comment is to bear in mind that the trees will hoover up any moisture, so a lawn would struggle (l could use the expression "artificial grass" but you didn't hear it from me and normally l wouldn't advise it). Seating area is a lovely idea. You could go for scented plants such as lavender and honeysuckle.  :)
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    edited April 2019
    Shame on you Anni :o
    A dry sunny area might be better suited to a gravel garden with scented plants as Anni suggested and other Mediterranian type plants. Maybe a small pond or water feature too?
    It looks like the soil level is now too low around the trees though. Was there a container around them before? You may need to box them in and raise the soil back up.
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    I'd agree with w.edges about the trees. If you can construct a new box round them it will keep them right. It would also become a seat if you make it broad/deep enough.

    I'd go for some climbers against the wall and fence, and then a gravelled area with more planting - either directly into the ground, or in pots. You can vary that according to the time of year etc. The ground will need a bit of attention before planting too. 
    You could also give the wall a coat of paint according to your own taste. Perhaps toning with the gravel  if you go down that route, and the pots, to keep everything harmonious  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Ne1lNe1l Posts: 28
    Many thanks for all your quick replies. I forgot to ask. There is a lot of compacted vegetation around the roots of the trees. Should I remove this and dig it into the soil or compost it? Thanks again!!
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    wild edges said:
    Shame on you Anni :o

    I know, l don't know what l was thinking !  :blush: Too early in the morning and only one cup of tea is my excuse.
    @Ne1l personally l would dig it out and put in on the compost heap, give it a chance to rot down with the heat. Being a nosy person, any chance of photos as the work progresses?  
  • Ne1lNe1l Posts: 28
    wild edges said:
    Shame on you Anni :o
    A dry sunny area might be better suited to a gravel garden with scented plants as Anni suggested and other Mediterranian type plants. Maybe a small pond or water feature too?
    It looks like the soil level is now too low around the trees though. Was there a container around them before? You may need to box them in and raise the soil back up.
    I can see what you mean regarding the roots. There were very poorly constructed boxes around them. Half rotten away. Im sure i could use some of the scrap wood and recreate then. Ive a lot to choose from!! 
  • DampGardenManDampGardenMan Posts: 1,054
    wild edges said:
    A dry sunny area might be better suited to a gravel garden
    It would be ideal for that area, but remember that cats tend to view gravel as a giant litter tray.
  • Ne1lNe1l Posts: 28
    I had another look at the trees. The Garden was redesigned/destroyed 5 years ago before we moved in. Looking at the garden compared to the others it lays at the same level so I don't think any soil has been removed from the base of the trees. But then again....
  • NollieNollie Posts: 7,529
    If the newly exposed soil level is roughly the same level as your neighbour’s garden, could it be when they constructed raised decking and boxed the trees in they filled in the boxes with soil and artifically raised the soil level around the trunks? If thats the case, its amazing the trees survived that treatment and the question now is, is it better for the trees to brush the soil away from the trunks or raise it up again by constructing new boxes? I don’t actually know the answer to that btw, but hoping someone else might!
    Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
  • Ne1lNe1l Posts: 28
    Hi. Tried to find pictures of the old decking, which I did. Also found images that I mocked up of a new garden. Over 4 years ago  :D. I knew I was a procrastinator but this one takes the biscuit.  
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